We’re Double Winners of Photo Competition

We are delighted to have been chosen as the winners in both the Judges’ and the Public’s Choice categories of CCVS (Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service) photographic competition. The competition is only open to charities and voluntary organisations and this year the theme was called

                        The Difference We Make

CCVS want to raise awareness of the difference local community groups and charities make.  Mark Freeman the CEO of CCVs said:

 “While we write and talk about the fantastic work that is being done there is a real place for photographs that engage, inform and motivate people to find out more about what community group and charities do”. 

Our winning photo’s are:

“What Age Gap”, taken by Doreen Wallace (Day Centre Organiser) at Orton Day Centre, Peterborough won the People’s Choice.

Description: A nursery visits our Orton Day Centre in Peterborough beautifully portrays how sharing something brings people together. Service users and children are so engaged in what they are doing that age is irrelevant.

“Bee Good”, taken by Stewart Goodacre (Friendship Club Co-ordinator) at Wisbech Friendship Club, won the Judges Choice.

Description: Building insect boxes from old pallets at Wisbech Friendship Club based at the Rosmini Centre. The Club gives older people in Wisbech a place to meet and socialise. Comprised mainly of men, the members organise a range of activities that entertain and challenge each other.

A small panel of judges shortlisted the photographs and selected one winner, the second was chosen by people involved in other community voluntary groups at a conference on volunteering.  CCVS told us told that all the entries were of a very high standard and the judges took quite some time to decide the short list, so we are very pleased that our images were chosen and have managed to capture a tiny bit of the wonderful work we do.

In addition to the award, there was prize money for the winners and we are delighted to receive a total donation of £300. The photographs will appear in CCVS newsletter and will be displayed by CCVS at their events over the forthcoming year. This raises awareness of our charity and demonstrates ‘The Difference We Make’.

On 12^th February 2020 we welcomed Alan Turner, (CCVS Development and Training Officer) and Elizabeth Forbes, (CCVS Trustee and competition judge) to our offices in Chatteris to make the award and deliver the cheque to us.

The money will be used to pay for activities in our clubs. Last year we had 14,291 attendances to our friendship clubs and 5,470 attendance at our day services, so an average of 1,547 attendances every month. The clubs provide a reason for older people to leave the house, opportunities to socialise, make friends and receive support.

Beverley Young (Communications and Campaigns Manager AgeukCaP) said

“Whilst there is still much to do, we are proud of our work to reduce loneliness and social isolation. We are living longer and all of us would wish that extra time to be healthy and enjoyable. Research* shows that being lonely can have a big negative impact upon physical and mental health, so keeping active and interested is vital. Winning this competition in both categories is wonderful recognition of the variety of activities we have on offer and in demonstrating how much our service users enjoy them.”

^* (Ref: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cambridgeshireandpeterborough/about-us/news/articles/2019/loneliness/ )

Photographs:  Elizabeth presenting the prize check to Melanie Wicklen (CEO of Age UK Peterborough and Cambridgeshire) with Hazel Williams (AgeukCaP Trustee) and Stewart Goodacre holding the winning entries. 

Further information:

Age UK CAP Friendship Clubs

Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough supports several Friendship Clubs in and around Peterborough, as well as in Somersham, Little Thetford, Whittlesey and Wisbech. The clubs are independent and run by volunteers, with Age UK guidance and support.

The clubs generally meet once a week (a few meet every other week) and offer a place to enjoy the company of others as well as having a hot meal. Members enjoy a variety of activities such as flower arranging, insect box making, keep-fit; as well as being entertained by singers and speakers, covering topics from SCAM Awareness to age related advice and information.

The main reason that most members like coming to a Friendship Club is to meet other people and make new friends. Getting out of the house and a change of scenery are also important motivations, as is participating in the activities. While some members enjoy the keep fit activities, others just like meeting up with the friends they’ve made at the club for a “natter” over a cup of tea and a home cooked meal.

 Age UK CAP Day Services

Our services offer opportunities to socialise and feel secure in a happy and stimulating environment.

"We love coming to the day centre, some of us come all 3 days a week it runs. I live on my own and get lonely, so I look forward to coming out, meeting people and talking to the friends I've made here."

CCVS is a registered charity set up to champion and support community and voluntary groups, and promote volunteering across Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire and Fenland.